BRUSSELS: EU leaders clashed Friday over plans to build unity in the wake of Brexit, a day after a row with Poland over Donald Tusk's re-election as the bloc's president underscored deep divisions.
European heavyweights Germany and France backed a "multi-speed" Europe after Britain's divorce with the union. But Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said she would never back such a plan, which is also opposed by some eastern European states that fear being left behind.
The 27 EU leaders -- without British Prime Minister Theresa May -- struggled to draft a declaration that is to be unveiled at a March 25 summit in Rome to mark the EU's 60th birthday.
"The motto is that we are united in diversity," Chancellor Angela Merkel said after the talks in describing what message would carry the day in Rome.
Leaders have stressed the need to pull together as the European Union comes to terms with Britain's seismic decision to leave the bloc.
The EU 27 will "work together to promote the common good on the understanding that some of us can move closer, further and faster in some areas, keeping the door open to those who want to join later," said a draft of the Rome proposals.
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